Describe a photo that you enjoy looking at: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the photo is?
When and where it was taken?
What is shown in the photo?
Why you enjoy looking at it?

26 unique answers with expert feedback

What other family moments do you cherish besides the photo?

Besides the newborn photos, I cherish moments like family vacations and birthday celebrations. Each event brings us closer and creates lasting memories. I love capturing those moments in photos and videos, as they remind us of the joy and love we share as a family.

How do you think family photos impact relationships?

Family photos serve as a reminder of the love and connection we share. They can strengthen relationships by evoking happy memories and reinforcing bonds. When we look at those photos, it reminds us to appreciate each other and the time spent together, which is essential for a healthy family dynamic.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with work-life balance?

I would advise them to prioritize family time and set boundaries between work and personal life. It's important to schedule regular family activities and make a conscious effort to disconnect from work. Remember, the moments spent with loved ones are invaluable and contribute to overall happiness.

Band 7

00:00

A photo that I hold very dear to me is the photograph of me and my father. I think it captures a moment from my childhood at our first rented house. I don't remember that particular evening, but I remember each and every detail in that photograph. He's holding me in his lap and I'm laughing out loud at some of his antics. I seem to be enjoying and it captures a beautiful moment of love between us. My father passed away a few years ago, so this is a picture I often see to reminisce about the moments, about the good memories that I shared with him. It is very important to me because it gives me strength to know that my father always had my back. And it's the picture that I framed and keeps beside my bedside table so that I can see it every morning as I wake up and feel his presence still beside me. Whenever I see that photograph, I don't feel lonely or I feel my mood gets lightened up. It gives me strength and that is why I still hold on to that photograph. I really miss my father and also accept the fact that I can't have any more new photographs clicked with him, but this particular one shows the amount of good times that we got to spend with each other.

Follow up questions

What emotions do you feel when you look at that photo?

Looking at that photo brings a mix of joy and sadness. I feel happy remembering the good times we shared, but there's also a sense of loss because my father is no longer with me. It's a bittersweet feeling, but ultimately, it reminds me of the love we had.

How do you think photographs impact our memories?

Photographs serve as powerful reminders of moments in our lives. They can evoke strong emotions and transport us back to specific times. They help preserve memories that might fade over time, allowing us to relive experiences and feelings associated with those moments.

Do you think it's important to keep old photographs?

Yes, I believe keeping old photographs is very important. They connect us to our past and the people we love. They tell stories and help us remember who we are and where we come from. They can also provide comfort during difficult times, just like my father's photo does for me.

Band 7

00:00

The photo that I enjoy looking at is my family picture. It was taken when I was 16 years old. Basically my parents take pictures once in a blue moon. They are not that interested to take pictures. So my uncle, he is a very professional photographer. So we went on a vacation to Paris. At that time my uncle forced my parents to take a family picture of our four members that is me, my sister and my parents. So in front of Eiffel Tower, when the lights are blinking on it at the night, we took a beautiful picture that is very memorable. We have enjoyed the moment. Whenever I look at the picture, I always think about the situation that happened there, how happy everyone looked by looking at the amazing Eiffel Tower in Paris. And also when people have that happy face, they will give a genuine expression in photo. So that way wherever I go, I carry that photo. I feel like it has a genuine relationship display in the photo. So whenever I miss my family members while I am away from them, I just take out the photo.

Follow up questions

Why do you think family photos are important?

Family photos are important because they capture moments that we can cherish forever. They remind us of happy times and the bonds we share with our loved ones. Looking at these photos can evoke strong emotions and memories, helping us feel connected to our family, even when we are apart.

How do you feel when you look at that photo?

When I look at that photo, I feel a sense of nostalgia and happiness. It brings back memories of that wonderful trip to Paris and the joy we shared as a family. It also makes me appreciate the time spent together and the love we have for each other, which is very comforting.

Do you think people take fewer photos now than in the past?

Yes, I believe people take fewer physical photos now because of digital technology. While we capture many moments on our phones, fewer people print them out or display them. This can lead to a loss of tangible memories that we can hold and share with others, which is a bit sad.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to tell a experience which I had in the Ramoji film city which is located in Hyderabad so basically the photo is of mine and it was clicked at Ramoji film city in the Bahubali sets so there was a movie called Bahubali which is a very famous movie and the leading star is a prominent actor called Prabhas and he played the role as Bahubali in the movie so it was an incredible experience when I was at Ramoji film city. I used to always look at the photos in the Bahubali sets and I used to feel so happy and motivated by seeing the equipments which has been used there in the movie so those equipments are placed in the sets of Bahubali so we can take a ticket and watch it over there and we can click photos with those characters and the equipments and vehicles which has been used in the movie in the time of shooting so I like it because the character is always close to my heart and that character plays a very vital role in everybody's life there is lot of moral takeaways from the character called Bahubali and it was really good experience at Ramoji film city so whenever I see whenever I look at the photo I just remember about all this experience which I had over there and Bahubali is one of the favorite movie and like in the recent times for the Indians so yeah that's it.

Follow up questions

What emotions do you feel when you look at that photo?

Whenever I look at the photo, I feel a rush of happiness and nostalgia. It reminds me of the incredible experience I had at Ramoji Film City, the excitement of being in the Bahubali sets, and the inspiration I drew from the character of Bahubali.

How does the Bahubali character influence you?

The character of Bahubali represents strength, bravery, and moral values. It inspires me to face challenges with courage and to uphold my principles, which is why I feel a strong connection to him and the lessons he embodies.

Have you shared this photo with anyone? What was their reaction?

Yes, I shared the photo with my friends and family. They were amazed by the sets and the experience I had. Many of them expressed their desire to visit Ramoji Film City and see the Bahubali sets for themselves after seeing the photo.

Band 6-7

00:00

Looking at one photo which is coming to my mind is ours, that is me and my better half, my husband. So very quickly I felt nostalgic looking to that photo. That particular photo or picture takes me to the particular time when we were newly married and went for very first vacation I remember and the picture was taken by our driver. It was the mountain full of snow, the green maple leaf trees and much more than what I can say in words. So that particular photo brings everything in one minute before my eyes. That's the pretty, very pretty, very nice thing of photos.

Follow up questions

What emotions do you feel when you look at that photo?

When I look at that photo, I feel a mix of nostalgia and happiness. It reminds me of the love and joy we experienced during our early days together. The memories of our first vacation and the beautiful scenery evoke a sense of warmth and fondness for those moments.

Do you think photos are important for preserving memories?

Absolutely! Photos play a crucial role in preserving memories. They capture moments that we can revisit and cherish over time. Looking at photos allows us to relive experiences and emotions, making them an essential part of our personal history.

Have you ever created a photo album or scrapbook?

Yes, I have created a photo album that includes pictures from our travels and special occasions. It’s a wonderful way to organize and showcase our memories. Each page tells a story, and flipping through the album brings back all the feelings associated with those moments.

Show all 26 answers

Cue 1:What the photo is?

Begin by describing the photo clearly, mentioning its subject and any significant details.
Use vivid language to create a mental image for the listener.

Example

The photo I enjoy looking at is a beautiful landscape shot of the Himalayas. It captures the majestic snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky, with a lush green valley in the foreground.

Cue 2:When and where it was taken?

Provide context about when and where the photo was taken, including any relevant details about the occasion.
Mention any emotions or thoughts you had during that moment.

Example

This photo was taken last year during a family trip to Manali. We visited in the summer, and I remember standing on a hilltop, feeling a sense of peace and awe as I looked at the breathtaking view.

Cue 3:What is shown in the photo?

Describe the elements in the photo, such as people, objects, or scenery, and their significance.
Share any interesting stories or memories associated with the elements in the photo.

Example

In the photo, you can see my family members smiling and posing together, with the mountains towering behind us. It reminds me of the fun we had hiking and exploring the area, creating lasting memories.

Cue 4:Why you enjoy looking at it?

Explain the emotional connection you have with the photo and why it resonates with you.
Mention how it makes you feel or any lessons it reminds you of.

Example

I enjoy looking at this photo because it brings back wonderful memories of our family trip. It reminds me of the beauty of nature and the importance of spending time with loved ones. Every time I see it, I feel a wave of happiness and gratitude.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this photo is more than just an image; it represents a cherished moment in my life. It inspires me to appreciate nature and the time spent with family, making it a truly special photo for me.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Being Vague About the Photo

Candidates often give unclear descriptions of the photo, which can confuse the listener. Specific details help create a vivid image in the examiner's mind.

Tip

Provide clear details about the photo, including colors, subjects, and emotions it evokes to make your description more engaging.

2: Ignoring the Context

Failing to mention when and where the photo was taken can lead to a lack of context. This makes it harder for the examiner to understand the significance of the photo.

Tip

Always include the time and place of the photo to give your answer more depth and context.

Rushing Through Your Answer

Candidates often rush their responses, leading to incomplete answers. This can prevent them from fully expressing their thoughts and feelings about the photo.

Tip

Take your time to think and structure your answer. Use pauses to emphasize important points and ensure clarity.

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Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.